Fenglin, a Taiwanese town, has grown a reputation as a town where life moves slowly. To maintain that, Fenglin has been conducting snail races as a way to celebrate its focus on a slower, sustainable lifestyle that values healthcare. Scroll down to know more.
What Is Fenglin’s Famous Snail Race?
As per a report by Mid Day, rather than pushing the town against this rhythm, Fenglin has chosen to embrace it and make it part of its identity. The best part? Fenglin has been putting on snail races as a way to commemorate its focus on a slower, environmentally friendly lifestyle that values healthcare, endurance, and community connections.
Fenglin has been famous for snails since 2014, when it joined the Cittaslow international network of small cities focused on quality of life and locally sourced foods. A snail carrying an assortment of buildings on its back is also Cittaslow’s symbol. The designation of a slow city seemed to match Fenglin, all due to its population having shrunk threefold over the past few decades. Today, snail racing is also an example of Taiwan’s super-aged society, with more than 20% of its residents older than 65 years.
The snail run was attended by a dozen enthusiastic residents and tourists, who attended the event, which featured six snail races spaced out over two days. The winners from each race faced off in the final, but not before posing for the audience while slowly being pulled on a piece of plywood across a green carpet as their fans were cheering them on.
How It Helps Promote ‘Slow Life’?
Apart from the snail race, the local government has been making large efforts to attract tourism by offering guided e-bike tours and spots at historic tobacco barns, the Hakka-minority museum and Japanese colonial-era buildings.
The idea behind this is to promote a slow life and attract tourism and people across the town to watch the snail race and experience Fenglin’s slow vibes.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Website/Cittaslow Taiwan
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What is Fenglin's snail race event?
Fenglin has been putting on snail races as a way to commemorate its focus on a slower, environmentally friendly lifestyle.